The 2025/26 UEFA Champions League season is set to deliver unprecedented financial rewards, making group stage qualification extremely profitable for teams.

Monaco will host the group stage draw on Thursday at the Grimaldi Forum. For the second consecutive time, the Champions League will use a 36-team group format, with each team playing 8 matches — four at home and four away. The draw results will be determined by digital technology under the supervision of independent auditors Ernst & Young.

The sporting and economic criteria applied for the 2024-2027 period remain unchanged. Compared to the previous format, participating teams’ earnings will increase by 21%. UEFA plans to distribute a total of 2.47 billion euros among the 36 teams, including participation fees, performance bonuses, and progression rewards. Just qualifying guarantees each team 18.6 million euros (15.9 million USD). Each win earns 2.1 million, a draw 0.7 million; finishing last in the group yields between 0.7 and 10 million euros. Advancing to the knockout stage offers bonuses ranging from 11 million (round of 16) to 25 million for the champion.

A significant new factor is the “value pillar,” introduced last season, rewarding teams that generate the greatest attraction. UEFA allocates 850 million euros for this element, mostly awarded to clubs with outstanding performance over the past decade such as Real Madrid, Manchester City, Bayern Munich, and PSG. This highlights the importance of consistent success across seasons, a goal sought by teams like Atlético Madrid and Barcelona.

Combining all prize money, top clubs could earn nearly 200 million euros by excelling in the group stage, advancing through knockouts, reaching the final, and holding a high value pillar ranking. UEFA’s prize increase partially stems from more matches (two extra matchdays and a round of 32), boosting broadcasting revenue. Additionally, this strategy aims to appease major clubs following controversies related to the Super League.

The 2025/26 Champions League is not only a battle on the pitch but also a fierce financial competition. For elite teams, it represents a chance to pursue glory while maximizing profits.